Entire Sanctification

[rjwmdw]

I'm curious to see how many on this forum have ever heard of the doctrine of Entire Sanctification.

Then, I'm curious that if you have heard of the doctrine, do you believe it is attainable? If so, why? If not, why?

There's tons of books from the late 1800's and early 1900's regarding this doctrine, the Methodists, Wesleyans, and various other denominations used to preach and live it. It seems this doctrine is dying as of late and not many individuals believe it nor have heard of it.

I want the purpose of this thread to discuss what you all as individuals understand about the doctrine of Entire Sanctification. I'm not looking for a doctrinal debate, but rather a discussion. I don't want an argument over whether or not the doctrine is true, but rather a discussion of what you have heard about it and what you think about it.

Also we all understand that the term "Entire Sanctification" can have very different meanings to different people. Some individuals who adhered to this doctrine are: John & Charles Wesley, John Allen Wood (Methodist Preacher), D.S. Warner, C. W. Naylor, Emerson Wilson, and Dr. Adam Clarke.

1828 Webster defines Sanctification as:

1. The act of making holy. In an evangelical sense, the act of God's grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God. 2. The act of consecrating or of setting apart for a sacred purpose; consecration.

Discuss away!

[Noonzie]

I have not read about this doctrine. Is the belief of this doctrine that you can live without sin while still living on earth now?

[episkopos]

Just over one hundred years ago, this doctrine was common. With the industrial revolution and the rise of the middle class, society changed into a more "tourist" mode. We have instant gratification, fast food, and basically the means for comfort and pleasure as a priority. This has completely overshadowed the command to seek first the kingdom.

So as men experienced less of the power of the kingdom, the belief in that power waned as well. If God does not provide entire sanctification as a supplement to the middle class lifestyle, then it mustn't exist! Or else, God is not a very good salesman. So goes the consumer mentality.

[Indueseason]

I love the preachers of old and have read many books book and sermons on the subject. It seemed to be something that used to be commonly understood.The blood of Christ removes sin and makes sinners holy.The grace of Christ teaches us to walk holy, and His Spirit gives us the power and heart to do just that. I love Leonard Ravenhills quote ( wonderful man!) "Only God can take a sinner out of a sinful world, make him holy, then put him back into the sinful world and keep him holy" !! Sums the whole thing up for me! What an amazing God we serve! Hallelujah!!

blessings to you

[episkopos]

I love the preachers of old and have read many books book and sermons on the subject. It seemed to be something that used to be commonly understood.The blood of Christ removes sin and makes sinners holy.The grace of Christ teaches us to walk holy, and His Spirit gives us the power and heart to do just that. I love Leonard Ravenhills quote ( wonderful man!) "Only God can take a sinner out of a sinful world, make him holy, then put him back into the sinful world and keep him holy" !! Sums the whole thing up for me! What an amazing God we serve! Hallelujah!!

blessings to you

These men obviously never heard of the doctrine of instant gratification.

[rjwmdw]

Wow, I must admit I am surprised that anyone has even heard of it. Certainly makes me feel good to know there are a few left

I forgot Leonard Ravenhill on my list. I've read a few of his books, namely: Why Revival Tarries, Sodom Had No Bible, America Is Too Young To Die.

Anyone ever read Perfect Love to J.A. Wood?

[BroRog]

Wow, I must admit I am surprised that anyone has even heard of it. Certainly makes me feel good to know there are a few left

I forgot Leonard Ravenhill on my list. I've read a few of his books, namely: Why Revival Tarries, Sodom Had No Bible, America Is Too Young To Die.

Anyone ever read Perfect Love to J.A. Wood?

Would you rather feel good or know the truth?

[episkopos]

Would you rather feel good or know the truth?

...that mankind has put entire sanctification to rest. Call it the un-holiness movement!

[rjwmdw]

Would you rather feel good or know the truth?

It makes me feel good to know that others believe the same truth of Entire Sanctification as I do. Wouldn't it make you feel good to know others believe in truth?

Truth is liberating, and that liberation is the complete liberation from sin.

[keck553]

It makes me feel good to know that others believe the same truth of Entire Sanctification as I do. Wouldn't it make you feel good to know others believe in truth?

Truth is liberating, and that liberation is the complete liberation from sin.

for truth, stick to the Word of God.

[episkopos]

for truth, stick to the Word of God.

I hope you mean the living word Jesus Christ and not letters on a page.

[keck553]

I hope you mean the living word Jesus Christ and not letters on a page.

oh for crying out loud..Jesus' words are on paper. don't you read them? Do you really think God is incapable of putting His will on paper in a way we can understand?

come, let's leave magic where it belongs and simply pray that God make His Word alive to us and leave it at that.

[Noonzie]

Which definition are you guys attributing yourselves to.

1. Entire Sanctification as Simple Consecration (Not Free from Willful Sin or Sin Nature)
2. Entire Sanctification as Freedom from Willful Sin (Not Free from Sin Nature)
3. Entire Sanctification as Freedom from Willful Sin and the Orientation to Sin (Not Free from Limitations in Love)
4. Entire Sanctification as Perfection in Love (Not Free from Temptations)
5. Entire Sanctification as Freedom from the Possibility of Sin

[Diggindeeper]

Which definition are you guys attributing yourselves to.

1. Entire Sanctification as Simple Consecration (Not Free from Willful Sin or Sin Nature)
2. Entire Sanctification as Freedom from Willful Sin (Not Free from Sin Nature)
3. Entire Sanctification as Freedom from Willful Sin and the Orientation to Sin (Not Free from Limitations in Love)
4. Entire Sanctification as Perfection in Love (Not Free from Temptations)
5. Entire Sanctification as Freedom from the Possibility of Sin

My goodness...where in the Bible do I find:
Simple Consecration (Not Free from Willful Sin or Sin Nature)
Freedom from Willful Sin (Not Free from Sin Nature)
Freedom from Willful Sin and the Orientation to Sin (Not Free from Limitations in Love)
Perfection in Love (Not Free from Temptations)
Freedom from the Possibility of Sin

SIN is SIN! There are not degrees of sin.
Where are you getting all of this?

And I don't want your opinions or assumptions. I want proof in scriptures of degrees of sin.
Scripture only of each one on this long list of degrees of sin or else we must assume they are no more than
profane and vain babblings that only lead into more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16)

[Noonzie]

My goodness...where in the Bible do I find:
Simple Consecration (Not Free from Willful Sin or Sin Nature)
Freedom from Willful Sin (Not Free from Sin Nature)
Freedom from Willful Sin and the Orientation to Sin (Not Free from Limitations in Love)
Perfection in Love (Not Free from Temptations)
Freedom from the Possibility of Sin

SIN is SIN! There are not degrees of sin.
Where are you getting all of this?

And I don't want your opinions or assumptions. I want proof in scriptures of degrees of sin.
Scripture only of each one on this long list of degrees of sin or else we must assume they are no more than
profane and vain babblings that only lead into more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16)

I am not agreeing with these doctrines. I was asking those that do to define which one of these they attribute themselves to.